BEGIN WITH BOOKS / Parent Reading Tips

In our previous blog , we talked about the importance of reading to your child early and often, not only to advance her language skills, but to build the foundation she will need to eventually be able to read and write.   Early literacy experts refer to these foundational, or pre-reading skills , as emergent literacy – simply, children's knowledge of reading and writing before they actually learn to read and write the words.  Broadly speaking, these skills encompass language use, depth of vocabulary, and awareness of word parts and sounds (phonemic awareness).   These core elements will make a profound difference in your child's ability to read.   By far the best way to build these skills is to surround your baby with books and foster a love of reading by reading aloud as often as possible. “Breaking the code” is what reading is all about Every time you read aloud to your child you are providing clues to help him break the code and eventually ...

Early language skills set your child up for a lifetime of success -- The first five years of life, especially the years between one and four are prime time for language learning.   The brain is growing and developing rapidly and forming new connections as it learns.   All normally developing children will learn to speak their native language, but how you engage with your child during these early years has far-reaching implications.   By recognizing the importance of a strong language foundation to academic achievement and by doing what you can to promote its optimal development, you will send your child to school more prepared to do well.   She will learn to read more easily, becoming a more proficient reader in the early grades.   Being able to read to learn will give her an advantage that lasts throughout her schooling and beyond. What the research tells us: First, quantity matters!   Children who grow up in chatty households with parents who s...